Culture Fit

Look at you – all ready to land the job of your dreams. You entered the building in pressed slacks, a fitted button down and matching belt buckle perfectly complimenting your shoes.

That second spray of cologne subtly exits your neck hugging the airwaves. You’re sharp, confident, smiling big, proud of your resume and all the accolades following your name.

The interviewer meets you in the lobby and appears equally impressed. Exchanging a firm handshake and positive gestures of eagerness, you both take a seat.

“So, tell me a little about yourself.”

Deep breaths, you think before responding:

“Well, I graduated top of my class from Texas Southern University, one of the largest historic Black colleges in the country. I interned with three major fortunate 500 companies before receiving my degree, followed by a very unique fellowship.

I worked a couple of years in the field before getting my master’s. I bring a total of 15 years’ experience and would love an opportunity to further your mission.

Silence fills the room as the interviewer appears engaged and overly friendly. Conversations detour when you’re asked about social activities, food, movie, and music preferences.

This is going better than you thought. You’ve now engaged in an off topic 30-minute dialogue with no relevance to your skills.

What you don’t realize is that you’re being vetted – culturally and covertly discriminated against.

Believe it or not, this happens all the time. There’s some underqualified and raggedy gatekeeper purposely blocking you from being considered. Undercover, they engage in interviews pretending to be interested while wasting valuable time. Some even assist in getting your resume expedited to the trash.

Yes, this happens even with affirmative action. And, in today’s climate more than ever (esssspecially in 2018). It’s time to be most vigilant.

Flagrantly, racial discrimination lives everywhere (in the classroom, courtroom, and most certainly workspace). The sad truth is many qualified applicants are not “fitting in.” Gatekeepers are fearful and intimidate by what actually strengthens the company. This is DIVERSITY!

Therefore, decoding prejudicial behavior by those in position has to be recognized IMMEDIATELY for what it is.

In this case, the interviewer was put off by the candidate’s assertiveness, education and the mention of their historical Black college. Their choice in music and food further excluded them from being a “culture fit.”

Easily, stereotypical notions of “if they listen to this, don’t eat that or didn’t graduate from,” are perpetuated. Consequently, the candidate is viewed as a threat. Instead, the interviewer prefers shared interests which soothe intimidation providing a false sense of safety.

This applicant is different but also very qualified. Hence, rich diversity and unique perspectives are dismissed. They do not realize how marginalization and hiring individuals in a uniform capacity stifles expansion.

Diverse companies do a much better job attracting top talent while respecting different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds. This creates a stronger and more effective work environment thus delivering better results.

In the words of the late and great Christopher Wallace “And, if you don’t know, now you know!”

So, be on the lookout! If you evaaaaa find yourself in a similar situation (where you suspect you’re being vetted culturally) kindly stay on topic, highlight your strengths, skills and why the diversity you bring is incomparable.